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Start-Up Applications - All

Introduction

This page presents a comprehensive list of the programs you may find that run when you switch on your PC as
typically identified by MSCONFIG or the registry "Run" keys - and whether you need them.

  • This information is provided courtesy of Paul Collins http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk.
    Presentation, format & comments Copyright © Paul Collins, 2001 - 2003 (thanks Paul).
    Portions Copyright © Peter Forrest, Denny Denham, Sylvain Prevost, Tony Klein.
    Software support by John Mayer.
    All rights reserved.
  • This complete list is available for download here - .zip file (also courtesy of Paul)

Close Program/Task Manager

This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at start-up.

Operating System Differences

A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display start-up items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy"

Random startup entry/filename viruses

There are viruses and other pests that can add any number of different entries to the startups. They make additional entries under the registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Run and RunOnce keys, allowing them to run at startup:

(1) PE_BISTRO - adds XXXX = "C:\WINDOWS\XXXX.EXE" - where XXXX is the randomly chosen filename of the dropped file
(2) MAGISTR.A - adds <Virus Name> = "<Path of Virus>\<Virus Name>.EXE"
(3) BUGBEAR - adds <random string> = %system%\<random filename>.EXE. %system% is a variable. The worm locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Win9x/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (WinNT/2K), or C:\Windows\System32 (WinXP)
(4) OPTIXPRO.11 - adds <Registry entry> = "<Path of Virus>\<Filename>"
(5) Lop.com homepage hijacker - creates multiple and random startup entries

Spyware/Adware/Malware/Foistware & Hijackers

Check SpywareInfo for information about these types of program. They have a very active forum and a list of programs that may remove them here

If you decide to disable a program and run it manually, and there isn't a shortcut or Start -> Programs entry available you can create your own shortcut.

Hit CTRL+refresh in your browser to make sure you get the latest version

Key:

  • "Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up

  • "N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary

  • "U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary

  • "X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"

  • "?" - Unknown

Alphanumeric index

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X %123456% rundll32.exe shell32.dll, Control_RunDLL ...%123456%.cpl Added as a result of the KITRO.C (or DANDI.A) VIRUS! %123456% can be any random 4 to 6 digit number
? %cmpmixtitle% %cmpmixstr% ??
U $EnterNet Enternet.exe Connection manager for the EnterNet ISP. You can also use RASPPOE
N @Hoc Toolbar AtHoc.exe One-click activated browsing toolbar used by various web-sites. See here for more info
N @loha reminder.exe Registration reminder for @loha@home E-mail utility
U !NoLoad winrecon.exe WinRecon - surveillance software that creates records of everything people do on a computer, ie, spying or monitoring depending upon how you call it
X _x-Finder _x-Finder.exe Disconnects and redials an ISP modem to an adult content site
X (*)Run win32API.exe Homepage hijacker, see here (* = any digit)
X (*)API Machine winSOCKS.exe Homepage hijacker, see here (* = any digit)
U 00THotkey 00THotKey.exe For Toshiba Satellite notebook series to use the front buttons, play, stop, next, prev.
N 1: hpdrv.exe HP utility for monitoring when and how many recoveries have been done
U 12Ghosts Popup-Killer 12popup.exe 12Ghosts Popup-Killer
? 17779Proj2002 N/A ??
N 1A:MacVisionTrayMonitor TrayMonitor.exe Comes with the MacVision program for monitoring tray icons (Note : program is by Stardock)
N 1A:Stardock TrayMonitor TrayServer.exe For monitoring tray icons
U 1Srv32 SpyAgent4.exe SpyTech SpyAgent monitoring software. "Spy software that allows you to monitor EVERYTHING users do on your PC."
U 2wSysTray 2portalmon.exe 2Wire Homeportal user interface
Y 3c1807pd 3cmlink.exe 3cpipe-3c1807pd 3Com WinModem driver. See here for more WinModem information
N 3cdminic 3CDMINIC.EXE 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Agent associated with 3Com network cards
? 3CM Link 3cmcnkw.exe Same as below?
Y 3Cmlink 3CmlinkW.exe For a US Robotics WinModem. Provides the link to Windows as the CPU does the processing on WinModems - won't work without it. See here for more WinModem information
N 3ComDMIAgent 3CDMINIC.EXE 3Com DMI (DynamicAccess Desktop Management Interface) Agent associated with 3Com network cards
Y 3cpipe-USRpdA USRmlnkA.exe Modem driver files from US Robotics
U 3Deep Control Panel 3DeepCTL.EXE From LightSurf Technologies (nee E-Color) - 3Deep corrects lighting, shading and color for all your 2D and 3D games
X 3Dfx Acc GFXACC.EXE Added as a result of the GIBE VIRUS!
Y 3dfx Tools 3dfxCmn.dll Updates the registry with information that can't be held for Voodoo 3/4/5 series graphics cards. Important for owners of these cards
N 3dfx Task Manager 3dfxMan.exe System Tray application for 3dfx Voodoo 3/4/5 functions. Available via Start -> Programs
Y 3dfxv2ps.dll 3dfxv2ps.dll Updates the registry with info that can't be held for 3dfx Voodoo 2 video cards. Important for owners of these cards
U 3DLabsHelperDemon 3dldemon.exe Directly from the programs author "It is a tiny program that is installed by the Permedia2/3 and probably other Oxygen-series cards. Normally it sits in the background doing nothing at all (sleeping on a semaphore), so it should take zero CPU time and virtually zero memory, since it will all be paged out to the hard drive." In most cases it can be safely disabled
N 3D Text 3D Text.scr 3D Text screensaver
U 3qdctl.exe 3qdctl.exe Provided with Terratec 128i PCI and similar sound cards. Loads a sound profile at bootup, restoring volume and other audio settings to a pre-determined default. Similar to Creative Lab's AudioHQ
X 5-2-46-112 5-2-46-112.exe Adult content pop-up dialler. Removal instructions here

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
U A1000 Settings Utility cpqa1000.exe Compaq A1000 Print Fax All-in-One copy scan printer software. Required in the Startup in order to scan, print, copy and fax. Only required if you use these features
? AAAKeyboard ?? ??
N AAATraySaver TraySaver.exe System Tray management utility from Mike Lin which allows you to hide, show, restore icons that are lost in an Explorer crash, remove dead tray icons, minimize any window to the System Tray
N ABBYY Community Agent CAGENT.EXE Installed with the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that comes bundled with a Compaq A3000 all-in-one printer/scanner. Its function appears to be to link you to the internet in an attempt to buy the 5.0 version of the software
X ABC keylogger.exe Monitors keystrokes so you can check if someone has typed anything while your away from your PC. Reported as spyware by SpyCop in their FAQ
X ABsr absr.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
X abtu mp3serch.exe
lopsearch.exe
Loads the executable for Lop.com. mp3serch.exe is the final version whilst lopsearch.exe is the beta version
Y AcBtnMgr_Xxx AcBtnMgr_Xxx.exe Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
U Accelerate accelerate.exe Webroot Accelerate - allows you to optimize Windows network registry settings in order to boost surfing speeds. Leave this enabled if you find it improves your connection
N Access Ramp Monitor armon32.exe Monitors your progress on the internet; hang-ups, connection speeds, internet congestion and traffic flow. It prevents some games from running also. To disable the Access Ramp Monitor (1) Open Windows Explorer (2) Open the Program Files folder (3) Open the MindSpring folder (4) Open the AccessRamp folder (5) Double-click on the ARMCfg32.exe file (6) Uncheck Enable Dialup Monitor and click OK (7) Restart the computer and try again
N AccessRamp Monitor01 ARMon32a.exe From a visitor "Just wanted to provide you with some info on Access Ramp software installed with Verizon DSL accounts in those areas that use the Winpoet PPPoE software. The Access Ramp TSRs are installed as part of IP Insight software (can't remember the software maker). You can decline to install IP Insight during Winpoet setup, or go into Add/Remove programs uninstall IP Insight by hand if it's already installed. It really doesn't do a darn thing for you. It was intended to help DSL techs monitor QoS, but the backend part was never implemented (at least as of earlier this year). This will not affect the user's ability or inability to access their DSL service."
N AccessRampLAN01 ARUpld32.exe Version of the above for LAN connections - a history uploader. The key in turning it off is a file named ARUCfg32.exe. This file (ARUCfg32.exe) does not show up in the startup process. If you have this file, you can execute it and remove all the monitoring activities it does. Removing all the checks in all the boxes (both tabs) still calls ARUpld32.exe to start when you start the dial up. You can block it from sending info if you have Zone Alarm installed. Renaming the extension of ARUCfg32.exe to ARUCfg32.exe1 works. The ARUpld32.exe is not loaded when launching the dial up client. Written by IP Insight and also included with Earthlink Total Access 2003
N AccuWeather.com® Desktop ?? Desktop weather from AccuWeather.com
? AcerPowerkey Powerkey.exe PowerKey utility for Acer TravelMate notebook PCs. What does it do and is it needed?
Y ACMonitor_Xxx ACMonitor_Xxx.exe Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation
X acocash fastdown.exe
fastfown.exe
Adult content dialler
U Acombo3dmouse Acombo3d.exe Mouse driver - required if you use non-standard Windows driver features
X Aconti aconti.exe Adult content dialler
U acoustic acoustic.exe Control panel program for Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard. Not required unless changed settings aren't retained
N acpart agpart11.exe Program for finding trucks on-line
N Acrobat Assistant ACROTRAY.EXE If you want to create a PDF using Acrobat Distiller, you can execute this program manually just before doing so
? ActionAgent actionagent.exe ??
N Action Manager 32 am32.exe Associated with a Plustech scanner. Small utility that runs in the background for doing fax/copy/etc. Available via Start -> Programs
N Activation Activation.exe Part of Microsoft Money
U Activboard MMKeybd.exe Packard Bell ActiveBoard keyboard - multimedia keyboard manager. Required if you use the additional keys and want to see the status of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock keys
X ActiveDesktop systray32.exe Added as a result of the DABOOM VIRUS!
N ActiveEyes ActiveEyes.exe ActiveEyes from TFI Technology
U ActiveMenu ActiveMenu.exe Goes with Wild Tangent demo games that come with some HP computers. Unchecking it can prevent the games from running occasionally
U ActivePlus activeplus.exe Interactive Agents Plugin for Messenger Plus! (MSN Messenger add-on)
Y ActiveShield MCVSSHLD.EXE McAfee VirusScan On-line. See also McAgentExe
N ActivSurf backweb*****.exe Packard Bell ActivSurf - automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates
U AD2KClient AD2KClient.exe Executable for Active Disk from Iomega disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
N AdaptecDirectCD Directcd.exe DirectCD primarily allows you to drag and drop files onto a suitably formatted CD-RW disc. Unless you use this on a frequent basis it isn't required and is available via Start -> Programs. Start the program before inserting a DirectCD formatted CD-RW in the drive. A re-boot is recommended if you close Adaptec DirectCD before re-opening it again later
N Adaware Bootup ad-aware.exe Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Available via Start -> Programs
U Ad Blocker blocker.exe Ad Blocker - blocks popups, and also removes banners, image ads and flash ads
? ADG ADG.exe SoundBlaster Audigy related?
N ADGJdet ADGJDet.exe Added with SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy soundcards for headphone autodetection
X ADM Library Loader admlib32.exe Added as a result of a variant of the SDBOT VIRUS!
U Ad-Muncher ADMUNCH.EXE Ad Muncher removes adverts, pop-ups and general annoyances in your browser, file-sharing and messenger programs. Causes conflicts with Outlook, game sites and web-building applications
U Adobe Gamma Loader Adobe Gamma Loader.exe Adjusts monitor colours across all programs, including Photoshop. It is needed by some graphics professionals who want their monitor calibrated. Most home users will not need it. In my case I can verify this as Photoshop loads fine
? Ad Online Guide adonlineguide.exe ??
X adp adp.exe Spyware installed by Net2Phone, Limewire, Cydoor, Grokster, KaZaa, etc
N ADQuickAccess Adtray.exe After Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95
U ADService ADService.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
U AdsGone Adsgone.exe AdsGone - pop-up stopper
N ADSL Diagnostic Tools mapiicon.exe System tray access to ADSL modem diagnostic tools. Available via Start -> Programs
Y ADSS ADSS.exe ADSS is part of Access Denied security and privacy software (Access Denied Security Server) that monitors power status and provides some other services for Screen Guard. Important to keep its running while using Access Denied
U AdSubtract adsub.exe AdSubtract blocks ads, cookies, pop-up windows, animations, music, and more. Can be disabled from within AdSubtract. Available via Start -> Programs
U ADUserMon ADUserMon.exe Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip® disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk
X Adult_Chat Adult_Chat.exe Adult content dialler
X Adult_Chat1 Adult_Chat1.exe Adult content dialler
N Advanced Tools Check ADVCHK.EXE Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget
X Advapi Advapi.exe Added as a result of the NETDEVIL.12 (NetDevil 1.2) VIRUS!
U Advertising Killer Akiller.exe AKiller - pop-up stopper
U Ad-watch Ad-watch.exe Part of Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus - realtime spyware-monitor watching your memory and registry for spyware that tries to install or change your system
N AELaunch AELaunch.exe Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard
? AeXSWDUsr AeXSWDUsr.exe Altiris Express NS Client Manager software. Is it required?
U AEZBProc aptezbp.exe IBM Aptiva keyboard customizer - enables certain special buttons on keyboard for CD operation, volume control, and few quickstart buttons. Keyboard will work without it but you lose the special functions
U AFAFilter windefault.exe AFAFilter - internet filter software
N Agent Agent.exe Cyberlink Power VCR II 3.0 is a TV tuner recording utility. If you want to schedule recordings you'll need this, otherwise can be disabled. Available via Start -> Programs
? Agente Remupd.exe Part of Panda Antivirus Titanium. Is this an update reminder (guess because of the name), virus definition update reminder or something similar?
U AgfaCLnk AgfaCLnk.exe For Agfa digital cameras connected via USB. Enables Windows to access the contents of the memory stick (while the stick's still on the camera) via a virtual drive
Y AGRSMMSG AGRSMMSG.exe IBM AMR modem driver
N AGSatellite AGSatellite.exe Program from AudioGalaxy that lets you download some MP3s from their server. Available via Start -> Programs
U ahfp
or
ahfprog
ahfp.exe Advanced Hide Folders - "is powerful file security program. It allows to hide folders or hide files. Advanced Hide Folders is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view, delete or modify them either"
N AHQInit ahqinit.exe Part of AudioHQ for the Soundblaster Live!. Appears as though it makes the AudioHW toolbar drop down from the top of the desktop and isn't required
N AIM aim.exe AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs
N AimingClick AimingClick.exe AimingClick from AimingTech. Web searching tool. Available via Start -> Programs
X AIM reminder AIM reminder.exe Added as a result of the BUDDY VIRUS!
N AIMster ?? Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing client that runs over the AOL Instant Messenger network. Available via Start -> Programs
Y Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB) atwtusb.exe USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB)
? AlarmWatcher AlarmWatcher.exe Associated with SynTPEnh and SynTPLpr which are from Synaptics for touchpads on laptops. What does it do and is it required?
N Album Fast Start ABMTSR.EXE Scanner software, not required for scanner to work
? Alcom PCL Capture FMW_PCAP.EXE ??
X Alevir Alevir.exe Added as a result of the OPASERV.A VIRUS!
N Alexa Alexa.exe? Alexa Toolbar "is a downloadable toolbar that helps you navigate the Internet as you surf, by instantly providing you with related information about the site you're viewing". Available via Start -> Programs
? ALFY Accellerator AlfyAC~1.exe ??
U All Aboard Status stswin.exe All Aboard! Internet Connection Sharing status icon
X All Sea screen saver TaskTray.exe "Free screensaver", installs lots of foistware. See here. Get rid of it
X All Sea web link FWLink.exe "Free screensaver", installs lots of foistware. See here. Get rid of it
U Alogserv Alogserv.exe From McAfee VirusScan for logging scanning activities. In some cases, if left running it can cause CPU % usage to go between 5-95% or go to and stay at 100%. Disabling it impacts on the reported last scan date. It is reported to cause jerky graphics response in many games. As of version 6, this is a critical component of McAfee and disabling it can cause a PC to lock up
? Alps Electric USB Server Monserv.exe Alps Electric USB Server. What does it do and is it required?
U AlpsPoint
or
Apoint
Apoint.exe Touchpad software for laptop PC's. For instance it is found on the Panasonic machines and allows part of the touchpad to be used for document or Web-page scrolling. Required for proper functioning of the pointing software but not required for the laptop to work
U AlwaysOnTopMaker AlwaysOnTopMaker.exe Always On Top Maker - utilty to enable an application to always be displayed "on top" of others on the desktop
N AME_CSA rundll32 amecsa.cpl, RUN_DLL Loads ADSL modem Control Panel applet
N America Online *.* Tray Icon aoltray.exe Puts AOL icon in System Tray (*.* denotes version if present). Connect to AOL via the desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
Y Amon AMON.EXE Monitoring part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner
Y Amonitor amon.exe Tiny Personal Firewall
N Announcements Annclist.exe MS WebTV for Windows. Used to display TV on your PC via a compatible video card with in-built tuner (such as ATI All-In-Wonder). If you don't use it - uninstall it
N Anntext Anntext.exe Caere Pagekeeper text annotation server
U Another Internet Explorer Popup Killer aiepk.exe Another IE Popup Killer - pop-up stopper
U Anti-keylogger check antikey.exe Anti-keylogger - protects against keylogger programs monitoring your keystrokes
U AntiPopUp AntiPopUp.exe AntiPopUp for IE - pop-up stopper
? AntiVirusProtection qumk.exe ??
Y AnVir AnVir.exe AnVir virus destroyer
U anvshell anvshell.exe System Tray tool for ASUS video cards. If disabled you lose all the ASUS specific video card options in Control Panel -> Display Properties -> Advanced as well as the System Tray shortcuts toolbar
? anycom bluetooth ftflauncher.exe Associated with an Anycom bluetooth wireless card. What does it do and is it required?
N AolFix AolFix.exe Run on Gateway Astra computers, and maybe a few others. Designed to repair a bad registry key in Gateway computers that would not allow AOL  to run correctly. Not seen much any more and should only run once
X Aornum aornum.exe Installed along with iWon Prize Machine. Based upon their privacy statement this can be regarded as spyware
Y apc_tray apc_tray.exe Part of the APC UPS software loaded with the BACK-UPS CS 350 unit. Required to monitor the APC unit in case of power failure
Y APC UPS Status Display.exe APC PowerChute Personal Edition status icon
U Appcon vAppCon.exe Vital Application Console - part of POS-partner 2000 point-of-sale software from Vital. This is the taskbar icon and is enabled at startup by the "Auto-start when OS starts" option. Required for a connection to be established
U AppExtender AppExtCB.exe Loads the Confimax add-in for popular E-mail programs to confirm E-mails have been sent and received
Y Application mdmsetsp.exe Aztech Labs modem driver
Y Apwheel Apwheel.exe Wheel support for an Alps mouse 
? Apvxd APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. What is this part and is it required?
Y Apvxdwin APVXDWIN.EXE Part of Panda Anti-Virus. Required to enable permanent virus protection
N ARCSolo Recovery N/A Backup software by Computer Associates - no longer supported
Y ashMaiSv ashmaisv.exe Avast! anti-virus software - probably E-mail protection based upon the name?
U AsioReg regsvr32.exe ctasio.dll ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out) drivers for the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 series soundcards - for recording and home project studios. Required if you use this functionality
Y AspireTimeMachine acertmb.exe System recovery software supplied with some Acer notebook PCs. Similar to GoBack and the restore program in WinXP, allowing you to restore a PC back to a working state with minimal re-entry
N Astro Astro.exe Checks for updates to Quicken on a system reboot
N ASUSKey V38SHELL.EXE System tray Icon for quickly changing video modes
U ASUS SmartDoctor VGAProbe.exe ASUS video card fan/thermal monitor
U ASUS TweakEnable astart.exe Restores manually changed settings for ASUS based video cards such as overclocking. Only required if you use non-standard settings
N ASWDP ASWDP.exe MLS Pulse - real estate software. Keeps the home buyer/seller continually informed on the status of his/her local/regional real estate market
X ASWnk aswnk.exe Adult content dialler
? Ati2cwxx Ati2cwxx.exe For some ATI video cards. Probably used to access features and may not be required - for example the ATI Radeon works fine without it 
? Ati2mdxx Ati2mdxx.exe For ATI video cards. System Tray access to display mode changing?
U AtiCwd
or
AtiCwd32
AtiCwd.exe
AtiCwd32.exe
Ati2cwad.exe
This utility adds the ATI tab in the advanced display properties (gives the option for TV out). Do not uncheck if there is TV out on the video card
N ATI GART Set-up Utility Atigart.exe Program that checks the motherboard chipset and determines which GART driver bundle to install on ATI video cards. If you have one, once installed it shouldn't be needed
N AtiKey AtiKey32.exe
atiptkad.exe
System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
U ATI Lauchpad launchpd.exe Convenient way to start all your Multimedia Center applications (DVD, Video CD, CD Audio, File Player). You can right-click LaunchPad, and uncheck Load on Startup in the menu
? ATIModeChange Ati2mdxx.exe For ATI video cards. System Tray access to display mode changing?
U ATIPOLAB ati2evxx.exe ATI External Event Utility EXE Module. This task can comsume lots of CPU resournces  on some computers, but it can help with graphics card problems. Leave enabled unless it consumes too many CPU resources
U AtiPTA
or
AtiPTAAA
or
atiptaxx
Ati2ptxx.exe
Atiptaxx.exe
Control panel for the ATI series of video cards allowing access to such features as display resolution, colour depth, etc. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display. Some users may need it if they have optimised their settings
U AtiQiPcl AtiQiPcl.exe Used for hardware DVD decoding on ATI video cards supporting this feature. Not required unless you regularly play DVD's
N ATI Scheduler Atisched.exe Component that remains resident in memory and automatically launches the ATI VIDEO PLAYER at a user selected time and date. Delete the shortcut in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder as well. Functions could re-enable the program to load at start-up and re-introduce the shortcut. Try it and see
U ATISmart ati2s9ag.exe ATI's "SMARTGART", which is included with the "Catalyst" drivers. When the system boots, it runs a couple of bus tests & tries to apply the most stable settings
X atisrc2 windfind.exe Unidentified VIRUS!
N ATI Task Application Atitkad.exe System Tray access to common display functions on ATI video cards. As above
N ATI Task Application (Atikey) Atitask.exe System Tray access and key-combo shortcuts to common display functions on ATI video cards. Can be run from Start-> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
U ATIX10 atix10.exe ATI Remote Wonder - PC wireless remote control
N ATnotes atnotes.exe Loads the ATnotes program for virtual sticky notes for your desktop. Available via Start -> Programs
N Atomica atomica.exe Atomica runs from the System Tray and allows the user to find out more about a word or phrase on any screen by pointing at it with the mouse and clicking button one while holding down the Alt key
U AtomicTime ATOMICTIME.EXE AtomicTime - utility that synchronizes your PC clock to an atomic clock
U Atrack atrack.exe New feature of Norton Internet Security (NIS) and Norton Personal Firewall (NPF) 3.0 is the Alert Tracker, an instant notification feature. The Alert Tracker displays information about events as they happen. This way, when a rule has been triggered or an access to the Internet made, you know about it immediately rather than finding out about it when you check your logs or notice that the NIS icon indicates a security alert
U ATTBroadbandUpdate SAUpdate.exe Big Brother from Quest Software. System and network monitor
U ATTRedUpdate AutoUpdate.exe Additional item added to start-ups after AT&T took over the now bankrupt Excite@home high-speed internet service. Included for automatically downloading and installing updates. Leave it unless you plan to regularly run it to check for updates
X AttuneClientEngine attune_ce.exe "Attune is a revolutionary service that provides you with targeted Intelligram messages to help you avoid common computer problems. Attune may also let you know when you need a specific product, service, or upgrade to optimise the use of your computer". Not required - treated as adware
X AttuneContentUpdater attune_cu.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneDiscovery attune_di.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
X AttuneSystray attune_st.exe Related to the above. All needed for the program to do its job properly
N aTuner atuner.exe aTuner - tweak tool for GeForce based graphics cards
Y atwtusb atwtusb.exe USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB)
U AU Agent AUagent.exe Au Agent from Zilab Software. Win2K/NT enhancement tool. Allows you to run applications under any security context without closing the whole logon session to process a new logon
Y AUCBPNP aucbnpn.exe Adaptec USB CardBus Safe-Eject - driver for the Adaptec USB 2.0 CardBus which provides USB 2.0 ports for laptop users via a PCMCIA card slot
? AudCtrl RunDll32 AudCtrl.dll, RCMonitor Audio control panel?
N AudioHQ Ahqtb.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. System tray application for SB Live! functions. Available via Start -> Programs
? Autobar ?? ??
N AutoEA Ahqrun.exe For Creative Soundblaster Live! series soundcards. Specify for any audio application what audio preset to automatically associate with currently active speaker output. Available via AudioHQ
N AutoMate Task Service  automate.exe Task scheduler for Unisyn Automate 4 task automation/macro running software. Available via a desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs
N Automatically launches the United Devices Agent when you start your computer UD.EXE The United Devices Agent can recycle your PC's unused resources and use them to perform valuable scientific and medical research without disturbing your usual computer use - similar to SETI@home but for medical research. Available via Start -> Programs
U AutoSizer AUTOSIZER.EXE AutoSizer - utility that automatically maximizes windows when they're opened
X AutoUpdater aupdate.exe Aupdate, Tinybar variant. Spyware
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio sa3dsrv.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
Y Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init A3dInit.exe For Aureal based 3D soundcards. A3D sound features won't work with this disabled
X ausvc ausvc.exe Added as a result of the AUTOUPDER VIRUS!
N AUTOPROP REGPROP.EXE
WMPADDIN.DLL
Both the files are in the MS Office/Bots/FP_WMP directory. Apparently, it registers the FrontPage WiMP extension
N AutoSpell 5 ASWATC32.EXE AutoSpell - spell checker
? Auto T Bar
or
autotbar
autotbar.exe Found in the /hp/bin directory on a HP PC?
N autoupd (1) autoupd.exe Raxco Software Auto Update utility."Used to keep your software up-to-date"
X autoupd (2) autoupd.exe VIRUS! - found in a folder of the same name
N AUXXTRAY au30setp.exe System Tray application for Aureal Vortex based soundcards. Can be run manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
? AutoShutdown pssvc.exe Utility to fix vCard Export in MS Outlook 2000 - although why are these together?
Y Avast32 Astart32.exe Avast32 anti-virus - scanner
Y Avast! ashserv.exe Avast! anti-virus software - probably the main scanner?
U AvconsoleEXE Avconsol.exe From McAfee VirusScan up to version 4.x and Dr Solomon's VirusScan. Used to schedule regular scans. If you don't have scans scheduled you don't need it
X AveoAttune atmdlusr.exe Related to AttuneClientEngine above
Y AVG_CC
or
avgcc32
avgcc32.exe AVG anti-virus control center. Also enables scheduled tests, Outlook E-mail plug-in and automatic updates
Y AVGCtrl AVGCTRL.EXE Background task of the AntiVir antivirus program which scans files transparently in the background
Y Avgserv9.exe Avgserv9.exe Background monitoring program for AVG anti-virus
Y AvMaiSrv Avmaisrv.exe Avast32 anti-virus - E-mail scanner
Y avpcc avpcc.exe Kaspersky Labs anti-virus
X Avril Lavigne - Muse <filename> Added as a result of the AVRIL-A VIRUS! where <filename> is random
U AVWUpd32 AVWUPD32.EXE AntiVir updater. Useful, but can be run manually
Y avx communicator xcommsur.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
Y avxlni avxinit.exe Anti-virus part of BitDefender virus scanner/firewall
N awhost32 awhost32.exe Part of Symantec's pcAnywhere remote PC management software. Provides an automatic startup of the client PC in host mode in conjuction with a host-definition file, so system administrators can access the machine. Can cause a 10% reduction in speed and not recommended
? AxFilter Rundll32 AXFILTER.DLL,
Rundll32
??

  Name/Startup Item Command Comments
X b3d BDEsecureinstall.exe B3d Projector - installed along with the KaZaA file sharing utility. Causes a program called "ZUPDATE.EXE" to periodically try and access the internet. (1) Uninstall it via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. (2) Remove the BDEsecureinstall.exe if still present in C:\Windows\System. (3) Disable and ideally delete it from the registry. (4) Remove the "BDE" directory and all its contents
X b3dUpdate Zupdate.exe Same as above but not installed via KaZaA
X b9 B9.exe FireTrust Benign - allows you to receive e-mail which is safe from viruses, worms, scripts, web bugs, privacy threats and other security risks, without affecting your e-mail. "Benign neutralizes or strips out the code that makes viruses, worms, scripts and other potentially harmful things run"
X babeie rundll32 cnbabe.dll,
dllstartup
CommonName Toolbar spyware. To uninstall see here
N Babylon Translator Babylon.exe "Babylon-Pro is a powerful information tool that instantly provides relevant information, translations & conversions for any word or value you click on"
U BackgroundSwitcher bgswitch.exe Background Switcher Powertoy. Included with the last beta version of the XP Powertoys. Whenever a user right clicked his desktop and chose properties he could see a new tab which allowed him to enable a "Desktop Slide Show." This would automatically change the Windows Desktop at an interval specified by the user. Available here
N Backpack UDF bpudfmon.exe Backpack UDF packet writing software for Microssolutions' Back Pack external CD-RW drive. Similar to DirectCD. Run manually before insert an appropriately formatted CD-RW disk
N BackWeb backweb.exe Automatically detects an internet connection and downloads any available updates. Typical on Compaq and HP PC's but not restricted to those OEM's. Resource hog and often causes malfunctions. Available via Start -> Programs
N Backwork Backwork.exe Backwork trojan detector
U BACPI10 bacpi10a.exe Known as "PowerKey" - a minimalistic keyboard driver that allows power management keys on BTC keyboards to function properly in older OS's (i.e. Win95/98/NT4). Also adds an icon to the system tray
N bacstray bacstray.exe Broadcom Advanced Control Suite - for modems and set top boxes based upon Broadcom chipsets. Not required unless you have networking problems
X bargains bargains.exe Bargain Buddy - advertising spyware installed with Net2Phone & LimeWire amongst others. Some further information here
? Bart Station station.sbrt ??
N Batchreg1 N/A Part of the Windows System Recovery process. Added to the registry via Msbatch.inf. The existence of this key or process after the last reboot during installation indicates an unsuccessful installation, as that key should be deleted automatically. See here
U BatteryBar batterybar.exe BatteryBar - displays battery usage, and the current percentage of battery power left
U Battery Scope batmgr.exe Monitors battery levels on a notebook/laptop PC
X BatzBack BatzBack.scr Added as a result of the BACKZAT VIRUS!
U BAUSB BAUSB.exe Boston Acoustics Audio, USB driver
U BayMgr DockApp.exe Hot-swappable drive management on laptops allowing you to change drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices 
U Bayswap bayswap.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U Bayswap2 TbUpdate.exe Hot-swappable drive management on Compaq Notebooks which allows you to swap drives without closing down Windows. Only required if you frequently swap bay devices
U bbui bbui.exe AOL DSL status monitor displaying a red/green icon indicating if you have a connection
U BCDetect bcdetect.exe Bcdetect.exe searches the system to make sure Creative drivers are installed for the video card. It loads the BlasterControl when the drivers are detected. Your choice - try it and see
Y BCMDMMSG bcmdmmsg.exe BCM voicemodem driver. Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems
U BCMHal rundll32.exe bcmhal9x.dll, bcinit BlasterControl for Creative video cards - controls for desktop settings, monitor configuration, colour adjustments and performance tuning. May be needed to retain settings
Y BCMSMMSG BCMSMMSG.exe BCM v